TWO-thirds of British dogs are not fed meat as part of their daily diet, researchers claimed yesterday.

Six per cent have never eaten meat – and a quarter of owners admit they have never given their dog a bone.

Instead, many people give their pet treats like crisps, cheese and cake, according to a poll of 2,000 dog owners.

Dogs are carnivores. With this move away from a natural meaty diet, and treating too much, we are killing them with kindness.

Clare Scanlon of Butcher’s Pet Care

Yet a third admit their dog prefers meat. Clare Scanlon of Butcher’s Pet Care, which carried out the poll, said: “Dogs are carnivores. With this move away from a natural meaty diet, and treating too much, we are killing them with kindness.

“Dogs have a diet so far removed from what they’d naturally eat it’s no wonder canine obesity is on the rise. An obese dog is not a happy dog.”